by Marcus Sloss
Each square of compact food was actually more of a rectangular brick shape. One foot wide as well as tall, and then two feet long. I tilted my head in calculation. The math said fifteen of these deep on the thirty foot deck by thirty wide. That gave me four hundred and fifty on the base layer. I swirled the number in the blood. Drew an x and then thirty under it in more blood to do the math. No way was I crunching four fifty by thirty in my head. I wondered if someone sent to clean this up later would ponder on the math etched in dried blood. It was wet for now and at least easy to work with. I carried some numbers and got thirteen thousand and five hundred bricks of feed. Holy seven hells I was going to be tossing for days.
I glanced over to see a chain of people unloading the silver capped metal spears. So no help there. The girls were still sawing heads off and cutting hearts outs. Okay, enough of this… I grabbed my sword and climbed on the carriage roof. There were cross beams every five feet to secure the cover over the goods. They could always be fused back together later by an earth mage. I smashed the left side of the first beam with my aura to chop through the blocky structure. Then I went to the next and proceeded to break all six beams on this side. I crossed over to the next side and smashed the supports there too. I then cut the canvas holding the braces together and removed the entire roof of the wagon. In the end, I was standing on all the yakin food easy to be grabbed by griffins and loaded onto pallets.
Even with them exposed I tossed food down for the yakins that would now call this place home. Eventually, someone would have to remove the harnesses on the beasts. Actually, after I tossed a hundred bails of food down, I went about that next. I left them tethered to the wagons but free from the pulling harness. They could roam with limits. I had forgotten to tell Lord Nova to send an earth mage when I had an idea.
“Traz you out there on recon? Can you swap with another griffin?” I asked.
“On my way,” Traz said and landed moments later with a thud beside me. “They are still massing to the south, my guess they will march tomorrow. What did you need?”
I walked over to Velia who was on heart cutting duty. There were dozens of hearts piled. I grabbed three, thought on it, and then added a fourth. I walked over to Traz who glared at me in confusion. I then stuffed the hearts into his saddle.
“Uh… Gryff why are there bloody hearts on my feathers?” Traz asked.
“I need a wall. Channel your inner earth aura and build me a wall around Streb… Inside the barrier only. At least eight feet high. Allow for a west and east exit, but fill them in for now. I need to let these Yakins free. Think you can do that?”
The griffin danced in excitement. No griffin had the opportunity to use a goblin heart yet with earth magic. He bounded over to the edge of the barrier and a twenty foot wall that was ten feet wide shot into the air. He cursed at overdoing it. As the wall formed, the first section collapsed in on itself. More curses and he went back to rebuild that portion. That was all the lessons he needed. Traz then ran in a circle around the inside of Streb, an eight foot wall materialized as he was casting. Three quarters of the way, he ran back over for two more hearts which I inserted into his saddle. Shortly after, the wall was finished and two towering gateways defined exits. I would need to tear down the wall in place later and insert doors but it was perfect.
“Excellent work Traz, when the griffins arrive and find out you did the walls they will be clamoring to do Fernlans. Good for us right, the more proficient you all become with actual use the better.” I said and Traz nodded. That was an issue we were having in both the mage academy and the griffin mage academy. A lack of real world applications. Simply put, the catalysts were too expensive to readily expend. I heard no end of how we needed tree worms from the north. We wanted to build books in griffin sized type and we could do the one but there were no more catalysts to make copies. There were lots of requests for desert grubs from the northeastern continent of Darunsa. Almost all of the air magic’s catalyst was in the windy deserts far north in Darunsa. Wind elementals were essential for constant venting airstacks. While sand scorpions could buff shields with their blood, which from my understanding was extremely hard to get. King Aves and King Horus mentioned we needed to find a way to the north. The best thing we came up with was to head east to a port city and sail north for months. It was a terrible plan. Few ships sailed those waters because the large ocean monsters lurked in the warmer seas. Add in the raging spring and fall the storms. Well, those sunk ships caught out in the open ocean and the entire idea became too dangerous. It was a primary reason trade went overland so often on Vin.
I decided to not stress about it further. It went back to dealing with what I could while improving things that I could impact. I needed to not worry about catalysts in the north that were out of my control. I understood why King Aves and Lord Nova desired the griffins to be trained in all auras of magic. I not only got it, but I respected the decision. The more prepared they were the better all of our chances were. Which is why I had agreed to go to the southern ice shelf for catalysts.
With the wall done, I went and unlatched every single Yakin. All sixteen. Twelve female and four males. I was curious how they would do with the bison Velia had ordered. Would they roam Streb in peace or try to murder the young of a different species? Only time would tell. I could shift the young bison to Xiq if it was dire enough. These Yaks were a great reward and a nice start. What was I going to do with a wagon full of oars and sails though? I saw no predictable path for the oars. They were easily made anywhere in the Empire. The southern ports would probably buy the sale. I would send out the word after an inventory was done and see if any interest was shown and go from there.
I zoned out… Velia was shaking me. “The griffins are arriving by the dozens if not a full hundred. Are you ready to leave?” She asked knowing I was deep in thought. “We got all the hearts and heads removed as well as separated. Your other wives planned a tour of our new quarters tonight, and we are planning on hosting a ball in celebration of your marriage. You are a prince now after all. This is a cause for double joy… What is that?”
The baying of wolves was heard not far away.
“The wargs chased our wolves to our barrier, they are stuck outside. Let me claw them a hole real quick.” Traz said and dove headfirst into an area of the eastern wall. So much for using his claws. He smashed the wall down and the wolves poured in. Behind them, hundreds of wargs slowed at the edge of the barrier. I went to the hearts and tossed one to Traz. “Thanks, I caught it in my beak. I will utilize some of it to fix this then the rest in Fernlan, at least it tastes okay.”
That averted the crisis for the wolves. All with swollen bellies from the recent feast. It was great they fed themselves. Another combat tool at my disposal that self regulated. I was all for that.
The chain of griffins was long but efficient. A full handling team hit the ground and stacked bodies in holed nets. Once those were loaded they worked on the feed. Griffins shifted the condensed food from wagon to pallets. The process was much faster than I could have ever achieved. Soon enough there was a trail of griffins on the way to Fernlan and the loading crews moved onto the spears. It never stopped and barely slowed as the silver tipped spears were the new target for removal. Most of my team had lifted off for home already. With things mostly done and progressing smoothly I decided it was time to go home myself.
Once Velia and I boarded, Traz shot off the ground and soared for Fernlan. The village of Streb shrunk in the distance as we left. A successful raid had occurred and I had a night of fun planned ahead.
∞∞∞
We arrived to much fanfare. The griffins were ecstatic for a few reasons. The first was they wanted to build dozens of walls and the other was asking for food. Walls for the walls. They were really interested in earth magic and wanted to practice. It was really cute for the first five seconds. I raised an eyebrow at Lord Nova who silenced them. Thank the maker they listened to him because they certainly ignored my wishes. The walls
did go up though. They were thick too so people could patrol the edges. There were even step outs that were covered with arrow slits.
The ingenious crafty griffins. Step out of the barrier but still inside the clay wall. You were safe to fire on our enemies. It even added a lip in the exact location the barrier was. If you were over the small wall you were safe to fire. Inside it, you were not. It really wasn’t needed though because the arrow slits only lined up if you were on the exterior. The wall stretched for the entire perimeter and was thick enough for a griffin to land on. Which meant I could also run it! Score. The downside was they used almost every goblin heart available. Meaning I had missed out on lots of sales. Oh well, more reason to kill the hideous fungus monsters later.
The entire time I watched and marveled as the griffins worked, Velia tried to drag me to the showers. I was thoroughly entertained through and she failed until Pipi joined her in a complaint about my smell. The tag team duo held a weak spot in my heart greater than watching feats of magic. Threesomes. I did drag my feet a bit as a large fire erupted over the western fields in a pyre. The wargs were being roasted in a celebration feast for the griffins.
When I glanced up at Zenith I was in for an awe. For the first time, the population of the griffins came out as one as King Aves launched into a rousing speech. There were hundreds of uniquely colored griffins resting at the edge of the sloping ramp. They watched as King Aves animatedly talked of the death of our foes. Of how things were on the precipice of change and the griffins once again would raise in might. That babies were no longer a nightmare for rearing, instead, they would grow fat and strong. He pointed to the trio of terror and then had to hover when they darted in for his feathers. This brought the loudest cackle of griffin laughter I had ever heard. They were in a roar at the silliness and the joy of the situation that stretched the moment to minutes of fun. Lord Nova concluded his speech with thanks to his human allies and specifically me. Then mentioned we would be heading south very soon.
As one the griffins bowed to me minus King Aves. I returned the salute of respect and let my wives haul me to the shower. Now I was thinking a little bit of soap, some hair cleaner, and my body being scrubbed fresh. All those things happened and then I wanted some post combat sex relief. Nope, none of that. Zero. Big fat nothing. I even got a boner while the girls washed me. For the first time since I came to Vin, my penis was ignored. When I smacked Velia’s ass and dominated her by yanking her hair, Pipi interceded. Tonight was not for them. Addilyn was being shown respect, not my penis being shown disrespect. I understood but I had been burned to a crisp in my face. A fact which still baffled Fwar that I had not gone insane from the pain. I wanted some sex. So I ran out of the bathhouse butt naked with two dashing ladies in tow. I had no modesty. I raced for the Tipsy stark naked. Velia and Pipi faded behind me in retreat to the bathhouse to put on some clothes.
I entered the bar to find it packed with mage students. Shit… Oh well. I sped past the gawking people enjoying snacks and drinks, heading right for the stairs. I was going to find Addilyn, these fine folks be damned. I bounded up a zig-zag staircase and reached the fourth floor. There were four partitions here for visiting nobles. It was my understanding that the two noble sections on the right side of the building had been converted into my estate. Not sure why I was living in another bar when I rarely drank, but that was forgotten. Bella jumped in shock exiting a door before I could burst through it.
“Let me guess husband… battle, boner, and you are just missing the babe. This way my dear husband. You will catch her mid outfit too.” She said in delight. The thoughts of what was about to happen clearly running through her head and causing her to flush. “And I unlocked it for you. Love you… Enjoy.”
Bella was the best. I shoved the door aside and Addilyn jumped in fright. Then she saw me naked at full attention and giggled. Then laughed… She was giddy and almost tearful in joy. We closed the distance between us. I was naked while she was in a lacy pushup bra. Her tiny panties did a poor job of covering her firm ass. Addilyn stroked my face as we kissed. I picked her up and she latched onto me with her powerful thighs around my waist.
Her tight ass fit firmly in my hands as I carried us to the bed. I grabbed with abandon and she raced her hands down my back. We landed on the bed in passion. I was rolled over and she went down in a hurry to wet my throbbing cock. I watched her spit on her hand and moisten her little vagina. She raced up my body from the brief blow job to slowly insert me into her. It was a tedious and euphoric pleasure at the same time. Addilyn had narrow hips and ran regularly. Her control of her vagina was unimaginable. She squeezed on me as she tried to engulf my penis.
The tunnel of her love slid down my shaft until she got it three quarters of the way in. It was enough for us both because she rode me to climax. I told her I was ready to explode when she shoved down onto me to catch all of my seed. I pumped for a minute and then softened.
“My dear husband, where did you come from naked? And why not until after the event?” Addilyn asked as I refused to uncouple us. She did not mind.
I told her of how I battled and then was rejected by my wives. She traced a finger down my chest and snickered at my denial. A reward was due to Velia and Pipi later. I was okay with whatever, happy I got to consummate my marriage and sate my desires.
A soft knock at the door a few minutes later and I was brought a set of fine clothing by Pipi. Addilyn raced out of bed to retrieve them and gave her sister wife a peck on the cheek. When Addilyn spun to return, she got an ass slap from Pipi that made her redden. My bi wife was not one to let a hottie run up naked to her without a reward. The door closed and a “Ladies rule!” echoed through the fourth floor.
We giggled at this as I was cleaned off by the sheets. The sex removed from my body. I dressed in the nicely tailored clothing from the seamstress we hired. It was a blue tunic with a golden collar and simple tan pants with pockets. The pockets were a new trending fad. Something our very own seamstress was helping take across the Empire.
I was dressed far quicker than Addilyn and Bella gave me a tour while we waited for her to get ready. Bella was in a yellow gown that matched her blond hair. A white gold necklace that sparkled with sapphires adorned her neck. She was beaming and told me how proud she was of me by expanding the family. Four showed my prestige and to a princess no less. I had to admit things were going well.
The tour started in the very room I was in. My new master bedroom. There was only one large bed in here. A soaking tub big enough for ten was carved into the floor. To be honest, I completely missed this earlier. I was only focused on Addilyn before. There were seven dressers against the wall. All back to back and you had to walk down the aisles of them to open drawers. I scoffed at the number, five was more than enough. I bet she thought I would marry more women and she was sorely mistaken. My house was perfect.
The dressers were followed by seating in front of mirrors. Powder tables is what Bella called them. I may use them to ensure my gear was kitted and on correctly but not much besides that. Addilyn sat in front of one doing makeup. I followed her to the adjoining chamber that went directly to the master. It was a storage closet for clothing too big for a dresser. Like my full combat kits, and the endless dresses the ladies had. This was a sound buffer Bella informed me to reduce the noise of crying babies. We waved goodbye to Addilyn and opened the door connected to the walk in closet.
This was the nursery. Thank all the gods… There at least was a little separation. The next room connected to the nursery was a playroom. Then it was six lavish bedrooms, each with nursing rockers and baby cribs. A room for current wives and possible expansion. I rolled my eyes at that. There would be no more wives. I was told the youngster school is where the babies and toddlers would spend most of their days. The playroom was really there for a backup napping spot or a sick child to separate. I nodded like I understand everything she was saying when she rolled off a ton of information about babies. I was clueless. I asked for a pamphlet
because where I was from, men read about rearing children. She gave me an ‘are you stupid look’. Babies were raised by their mommas. The dads did a bit of playtime and to leave the professionals to the task at hand.
The Tipsy had its own bath system for guests and residents. Besides my pool, there were showers at the end of every hall. Servants or workers were on duty for the buckets that filled. They would haul the waste to burn pits. The rest of the tour showcased the first floor. There was the open expansive bar, followed by private rooms for meetings or special dinners. I waved at the guests I interrupted earlier with my antics. Everyone I met was in high spirits. Either from the mage academy, a stable well paying job, or general improvements to life. I skipped the rest of the tour to mingle a bit and dragged Bella into a bunch of small talk. It was all enjoyable and when Addilyn finally arrived, a hush settled over the jovial crowd.
The princess was wearing a white dress below her knees that was tight to her fit figure. She was classy and elegant with a tiara on her head. She wore a matching white gold with sapphire neckless. Addilyn had dangling diamond earrings and brown eyes radiated with happiness. She devilishly smirked and told everyone to enjoy their time. Addilyn crossed the room to us and linked arms with me. We left the Tipsy for the communal fire pit by the mages academy.
I was told to pause outside and shortly after, Velia and Pipi joined us. None of the ladies tried to dress fancy, they stuck to plain clothes to let Addilyn shine. I was fine with this and was jovial they were getting along so well.
“So ladies, now that I have you all here. Before we get swirled into endless side chatter and dancing… I want to tell you I am going south. Day after tomorrow. I plan on crossing the Venisis Sea for the Vartin Tundra. Everyone is pushing for me to go down there and I actually agree with them.” I said as I stopped the ladies from proceeding to the next festivities. “I would like Velia to come with me. That would mean one of the three of you would need to manage Streb in our absence…”